GL78010
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
WASHINGTON D. C. 20555
April 11, 1975
To All Power Reactor Licensees
Gentlemen:
Enclosed for your information and possible future use is the current NRC
guidance on radiological environmental monitoring for nuclear power plants.
10 CFR Parts 20 and 50 require that radiological environmental monitoring
programs be established to provide data on measurable levels of radiation
and radioactive materials in the site environs. In addition, Appendix I to
10 CFR Part 50 requires that the relationship between quantities of
radioactive material released in effluents during normal operation,
including anticipated operational occurrences, and resultant radiation doses
to individuals from principal pathways of exposure be evaluated.
Regulatory Guide 4.8, Environmental Technical Specifications for Nuclear
Power Plants, was issued for comment in December 1975. The enclosed
technical position on the radiological portion of environmental monitoring
was formulated by an NRC working group which considered the comments
received on Regulatory Guide 4.8. This position sets forth guidance for
developing an acceptable minimum radiological monitoring program to meet the
regulatory requirements of 10 CFR Parts 20 and 50. Local site
characteristics need to be examined to determine if pathways not covered by
this guide may significantly contribute to a individual's dose and should be
included in the sampling program. The acceptability of changes to
radiological environmental monitoring programs at operating reactors will be
evaluated based on this guidance as well as on a review of past operating
data.
We are developing technical specifications which incorporate the Appendix I
guidance set forth in the enclosed position. These specifications will be
implemented or all operating reactors in the future. This position is being
provided to you at the present time for information only and no action is
required or your part. More specific guidance on technical specifications
relating to the implementation of Appendix I to 10 CFR 50 will be provided
to you in the future.
Karl R. Goller, Assistant Director
for Operating Reactors
Division of Operating Reactors
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation